Call to back Rugby’s small businesses on Saturday

Rugby is gearing up for Small Business Saturday this weekend and the opportunity to urge people to ‘shop local’.

The national campaign raises awareness of the importance of small businesses and has the local backing of Aftab Gaffar from Rugby First, Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, and Paul Miles Rogers from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

All three will be visiting Rugby town centre businesses today (Friday) to show their support in advance of the big day.

Mr Gaffar said: “Small businesses are of vital importance to the town centre and wider economy. For every one pound spent with a small or medium sized business 63p stays in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

“We are proud to be supporting the campaign and see it as a great way of raising awareness of small businesses in the town centre. We have some excellent and unique businesses in the town and I would encourage customers to show their support for these by using them, not only on December 6 but throughout the year.”

Mr Pawsey said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy here in Rugby and I am delighted to be supporting Small Businesses Saturday.

“As a former businessman myself I have always been keen to shine a light on what our small local businesses have to offer and this initiative will help showcase the incredible diversity of the retail offer we have in Rugby of which we should be proud.”

Mr Miles Rogers added: “I believe it is important that we all show our support for the local businesses who play a vital role supporting the local economy here in Rugby.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our local town and it’s important to remember that if we don’t use them they face closure.

“Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to remind people of the excellent products and services local businesses offer when they head out to do their Christmas shopping.”